After serving as Wilson County’s Division II general sessions judge for the past 28 years, Judge Robert Hamilton has decided to retire and not seek re-election.

He will serve out his term, which ends Aug. 31.

Over the last nearly three decades, Hamilton has presided over the civil, criminal, mental health, probate and family courts.

“The caseload is so high in General Sessions Court that I have touched almost every family in Wilson County during my 28 years of service,” Hamilton said. “In 2012 alone, I disposed of approximately 16,000 cases.

“It has been my goal to be courteous and fair to everyone,” Hamilton said. “I truly care about everyone who comes before me and even though I have had to make hard and difficult decisions, I have loved the opportunity to serve my community.”

Hamilton said he has enjoyed working with all of those he does daily: clerks, officers, district attorneys, public defenders and attorneys and their clients.

“It has been my great honor to work for the people of this county, and even though the work can at times be stressful, I love coming to work each and every day,” Hamilton said.

According to Hamilton, it would be a “shock” for him to one day come into work and the next day be retired.

“I know I will greatly miss my job, but I will be 68 this year and I feel it is the right time to hand over the office to someone with new energy and enthusiasm,” Hamilton said.

Hamilton said he would be available to assist in any way possible.

“Words cannot express the feeling of honor I have experienced in being chosen to serve the people of this county, in this high office,” Hamilton said.

While serving in the Navy, Hamilton said he chose to enter law school in order to return to his hometown of Lebanon to practice.

“I dreamed that I would one day know so many people in my hometown that I could walk down the street and wave at all those who passed by,” Hamilton said. “Wow, has that dream come true.”

Comments

Judge Hamilton, you sir are a tribute to civil and criminal justice. You were the most fair and honest of all the judges at the court house. I appreciate your fairness and candor. You allowed a misguided youth, myself, to turn into a decent hardworking taxpayer without a criminal record to hinder my progress. Thank you for your morales and your wisdom. I hope that the person taking your place will do the same for a good soul.
Thank you for your foresight.